In a strategic move to attract Republican voters who oppose Donald Trump, the Kamala Harris campaign unveiled the "Republicans for Harris" initiative on Sunday. This campaign within a campaign features notable former elected officials with links to Illinois, including former Governor Jim Edgar, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and former Representatives Adam Kinzinger and Joe Walsh.

The objective of the "Republicans for Harris" effort is to mobilize and persuade Republican voters through on-the-ground organizing, paid ads, and endorsements from GOP figures. The initiative had already begun targeting GOP voters, especially those in crucial swing states who previously supported former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley's Republican primary bid.

The four Illinois Republicans involved in the campaign can appeal to a diverse range of persuadable Republicans who do not align with the Trump MAGA movement. Both Edgar and LaHood are known for their moderate stances, with LaHood having served as Transportation Secretary under President Barack Obama. On the other hand, Kinzinger and Walsh are renowned for their outspoken criticism of Donald Trump, warning that the future of democracy is at stake if he were to be re-elected.

However, the participation of Ray LaHood highlights the divided views within the Republican party. While LaHood supports Harris, his son, Representative Darin LaHood, remains a Trump supporter and attended the recent GOP convention in Milwaukee. This divergence underscores the varying perspectives within the Republican party.

The Republicans for Harris campaign will kick off its activities by launching a blitz in crucial swing states starting Monday. Some endorsers will also join Harris and her newly announced vice presidential pick at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday and participate in other campaign events in battleground states throughout the week.

Adam Kinzinger, who endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket back in June, stated that he never thought he would be endorsing a Democrat for President, but he believes Vice President Harris will defend democracy and prevent Donald Trump from returning to the White House. Kinzinger, who is currently serving on the House Jan. 6 committee investigating the attack on the Capitol, emphasizes that Trump poses a direct threat to American values.

Similarly, Joe Walsh, who ran against Trump in the 2020 GOP primary, expressed his pride in being part of the Republicans for Harris campaign. He believes that those Republicans who are appalled by the extremism, hatred, and lies propagated by Trump now have a place in this campaign and can support Vice President Harris in the upcoming election.

The outreach efforts to disillusioned GOP voters also include utilizing high-level veterans of the Trump White House who are critical of him, featuring their warnings in a digital ad released last month titled "Unfit." The Harris campaign is currently finalizing the lineup of Republican speakers who will make the case for voting for Harris during the Democratic convention in Chicago, commencing on August 19.

Austin Weatherford, Harris' national director of Republican outreach and former chief of staff to Adam Kinzinger, emphasized that Trump's MAGA extremism alienates millions of Republicans who no longer feel represented by the party. The campaign aims to earn the support of these Republicans who value defending democracy and restoring decency, all of which they believe would be endangered under another Trump presidency.

Other notable Republicans endorsing Harris as part of the Republicans for Harris initiative include Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye, former Trump White House officials, former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, former Governors Bill Weld of Massachusetts and Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey, as well as Mesa Arizona Mayor John Giles.

In related news, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is scheduled to headline a Chicago fundraiser on Monday to support the Harris presidential campaign. Meanwhile, second gentleman Doug Emhoff will visit Chicago on August 14 for two events, one in Chicago and another in Glencoe.

As the election draws near, the Republicans for Harris campaign seeks to make significant inroads with Republican voters who are looking for an alternative to Donald Trump, presenting Kamala Harris as the candidate who will uphold democracy and restore decency in the White House.